Pregnant women, the elderly, children under 5 years of age with a higher risk of developing serious or complicated disease
The National Institute of Health issued an advisory on the prevention and control of seasonal influenza (H3N2) after 340,856 suspected cases were reported nationwide between epidemiologic weeks 44 and 49.
The purpose of this advisory is to alert and facilitate the health authorities and other stakeholders to ensure timely preventive and control measures, including preparedness to handle the increased workload expected in outpatients and inpatient wards over the next few months.
According to the guidelines, influenza is an acute viral respiratory disease caused by influenza A and B viruses that leads to annual epidemics. Influenza A is associated with higher transmissibility and severe disease among older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions.
During the 2025-2026 season, a new genetic subgroup of influenza A (H3N2), Subclade K, has emerged globally. Recently, there has been a rapid increase in the detection of H3N2 cases since August 2025 among different WHO regions.
The Southeast Asia region has shown increased positivity of influenza cases, with a predominance of H3N2 (66% of all influenza A cases) since May 2025 to the end of November. Similarly, Australia and New Zealand have also reported increased cases of influenza with a significant proportion of the H3N2 background.
Pakistan is also observing increasing incidence of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI). The country has reported a total of 340,856 suspected ILI cases from epidemiological weeks 44 to 49 from all provinces and regions through the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response System, with 12% positivity of H3N2 cases among tested samples.
According to the guidance, seasonal influenza viruses can present with mild symptoms but can develop into severe disease, especially in high-risk individuals, including patients with chronic diseases (such as asthma, diabetes, heart and lung disease), pregnant women, elderly people and children under five, who are at greater risk of developing a complicated disease.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection and serious outcomes caused by the influenza virus, especially in high-risk groups. Influenza (seasonal flu) can spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing or through contaminated hands or other surfaces.
The advisory emphasized that if someone is sick or has been in close contact with people with flu-like illness, the following preventive measures are recommended to limit the transmission of flu:
• Frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water and use of hand sanitizer when you are away from hand washing facilities
• Covering the mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing
• Sick patients should take rest and avoid crowds
• Take social distancing measures
It is emphasized that the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) at CDC-NIH regularly monitors the influenza situation.
In view of the recent increase in influenza across different regions, the remarkable increase in H3N2 cases, limited access to health services, unsatisfactory infection prevention and control practices in various settings, and limited health awareness in the community, the influenza season in Pakistan may be severe.
Therefore, it is important for individuals, especially those in high-risk groups, to take preventive measures such as getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, and seeking medical attention immediately if symptoms persist.
The purpose of this advisory is to alert and facilitate the health authorities and other stakeholders to ensure timely preventive and control measures, including preparedness to handle the increased workload expected in outpatients and inpatient wards over the next few months.
